Container for sterilization

ABSTRACT

A modular container for sterilization of medical devices. In various embodiments the container includes a slidable button for releasing the lid, the button being contained within a pocket. Other embodiments include a lid and container bottom arranged so that a pair of stacked containers have a gap between the lid and bottom to facilitate drying of the container contents. Yet other embodiments include arrangement of the container sidewalls to fit within the sides of the lid.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation patent application of and claimspriority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/218,345, filed Aug. 14,2003, to be issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,021,485, which is acontinuation-in-part application of and claims priority to divisionalapplication No. 09/634,072, filed Aug. 8, 2000, which is a divisionalapplication of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/020,889, filed Feb. 9, 1998 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,138,850. Thisapplication also claims priority to provisional patent applicationSerial No. 60/371,188, filed Apr. 9, 2002. All of these patentapplications are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to containers useful forsterilization of medical devices. However, certain applications of thepresent invention may be outside of this field.

The use of a container for the sterilization and storage of medicaldevices is well known. The container is provided with a particularselection of devices for a particular medical procedure. The devices areplaced within a container and the container is then subjected to theheat and sterilant (water and/or chemicals) necessary to sterilize thedevices. Subsequent to sterilization, the container may be wrappedwithin a sterile covering and stored until required.

Various designs have been offered for sterilization containers. Some ofthese designs can be found in the following U.S. patents: Patent No.Inventor Issue Date 4,798,292 Hauze Jan. 17, 1989 4,643,303 Arp et al.Feb. 17, 1987 5,284,632 Kudla et al. Feb. 8, 1994 5,215,726 Kudla et al.Jun. 1, 1993 5,451,379 Bowlen, Jr. Sep. 19, 1995 5,524,755 Deeds Jun.11, 1996 5,084,251 Thomas Jan. 28, 1992 5,433,929 Riihimaki et al. Jul.18, 1995 5,346,677 Risk Sep. 13, 1994 5,518,115 Latulippe May 21, 19965,540,901 Riley Jul. 30, 1996 5,424,048 Riley Jun. 13, 1995

These designs generally depict containers comprising a lower tray and anupper tray or lid. The lower and upper trays are generally of a fixed,unitary construction. The lower tray and the upper tray or lid aregenerally of a particular size and shape which cannot be altered withoutdamaging or destroying the trays. Some of these designs have an internalvolume satisfactory for the quantity of devices necessary for aparticular medical procedure, but insufficient volume for a largernumber of devices required by a different medical procedure. Likewise,the containers resulting from some of these designs may be too large fora particular medical procedure, and thus be inefficient in terms ofspace and costs.

There is a continuing need for improvements in the field ofsterilization containers and the present invention provides a novel andunobvious apparatus for an improved sterilization container.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the present invention provides a container forsterilization of medical devices. The container includes a base defininga plurality of through holes, four walls, and a bottom. There is also abutton actuateable between an extended position and a depressedposition; and a lid releaseably coupled to the base and releasabletherefrom by actuation of the button. The button is slidable within apocket formed by the lid and the base.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a container forsterilization of devices which includes an underside having a centralportion and a bottom spacing feature, and a topside having a centralportion and a top spacing feature adapted and configured to nest withthe bottom spacing feature. During stacking of a first container on topof a second container the bottom spacing feature of the first containerand the top spacing feature of the second container nest together, thebottom spacing feature and the top spacing feature being adapted andconfigured to establish a gap extending between the central portion ofthe underside and the central portion of the topside, the gap permittingflow of gas therebetween.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention concerns a container forsterilization of medical devices which includes a base including firstand second endwalls and a base midsection having a bottom with integralor separable third and fourth opposing sidewalls, each third and fourthsidewall including a first edge projecting from a lengthwise ridge. Thecontainer also includes a lid including a lid midsection with a top andan integral or separable pair of opposing sides, each said sideincluding a second edge. The lid fits on the base with the edge of eachside being supported by a ridge of a corresponding sidewall and eachsecond edge being displaced from the corresponding first edge.

Another embodiment of the present invention concerns a container forsterilization of devices which includes a base having a button slidablyretained thereto. The button has a first position and a second position,and the base includes a first latching member. There is also a lidreleaseably coupleable to said base and including a second latchingmember which couples to the first latching member to retain the lid onsaid base. Sliding of the button to the second position uncouples thesecond latching member from the first latching member.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improvedcontainer for serialization of medical devices.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will beapparent from the description of the preferred embodiment, the drawings,and the claims that follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a top, front, and right side exploded perspective view of anapparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a top, front, and right side exploded perspective view of anapparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a portion of the apparatus ofFIG. 1A.

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of a portion of the apparatus ofFIG. 1A with a bottom piece removed.

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of a handle assembly comprising aportion of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a partial front elevational view in full section of theapparatus of FIG. 2 as taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a right side perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 4 witha portion of the apparatus pushed in.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a handle molding comprising a portion ofthe present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a button comprising a portion of thepresent invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a latchplate comprising a portion of thepresent invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a corner piece comprising a portion ofthe present invention.

FIG. 11 is a top, front, and left side perspective view of an apparatusaccording to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a partially exploded view of the apparatus of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 13 as taken alongthe line 14-14 of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 11.

FIG. 16 is an end view of the apparatus of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a bottom view of the apparatus of FIG. 15.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 11.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 18 as taken alongthe line 19-19 of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a front, top, and left side perspective view of a portion ofthe apparatus of FIG. 11.

FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a rear elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 20.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 11.

FIG. 24 is a sectional view of a pair of nested containers according toone embodiment of the present invention, the sectional views taken alongthe line 24-24 of FIG. 11.

FIG. 25 is a sectional view of a pair of nested containers according toone embodiment of the present invention, the sectional views taken alongthe line 25-25 of FIG. 11.

FIG. 26 is a top, front, and left side perspective view of an apparatusaccording to another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated inthe drawings and specific language will be sued to describe the same. Itwill nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of theinvention is thereby intended, such alterations and furthermodifications in the illustrated device, and such further applicationsof the principles of the invention as illustrated therein beingcontemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to whichthe invention relates.

FIG. 1A is a top, front, and right side exploded perspective view of asterilization container 20 useful for sterilization of medicalinstruments and devices according to one embodiment of the presentinvention. Container 20 includes a tray assembly 19 and a removable lid22. The tray assembly includes opposing separable sides 24 a and 24 b,opposing separable sides 26 a and 26 b, corner pieces 28 a, 28 b, 28 c,and 28 d, and bottom pieces 30 a, 30 b, and 30 c. Removable lid 22includes a plurality of passage holes 21 defined therein for passage ofsterilant fluid into and out of the interior of container 20. Lid 22 isreleaseably coupled to opposing separable sides 24 a and 24 b by alatching mechanism to be described later (see FIGS. 3-9). Separable side24 a is coupled at one end to corner piece 28 a and at the other end tocorner piece 28 b. Separable side 24 b is coupled at one end to cornerpiece 28 c and at the other end to corner piece 28 d. Separable side 26a is coupled to corner pieces 28 a and 28 d, and separable side 26 b iscoupled to corner pieces 28 b and 28 c. Separable sides 26 a and 26 bare of a predetermined, modular length.

A bottom panel 30 comprising bottom pieces 30 a, 30 b, and 30 c is incontact with and preferably supported by substantially flat ledges thatextend in a generally perpendicular manner from the vertical walls ofseparable sides 24 a, 24 b, 26 a, and 26 b. Separable sides 24 a and 24b include ledges 31 a and 31 b, respectively, for supporting bottompieces 30 c and 30 a, respectively. Separable sides 26 a and 26 binclude ledges 32 a and 32 b, respectively, for supporting bottom pieces30 a, 30 b, and 30 c. Additional support of bottom panel 30 ispreferably provided by substantially flat ledges that extend from thecorner pieces. Ledges 33 a and 33 b of corner pieces 28 a and 28 b,respectively, support bottom piece 30 c. Ledges 33 c and 33 d of cornerpieces 28 c and 38 d, respectively, support bottom piece 30 a. In someembodiments of the present invention bottom panel 30 defines a pluralityof attachment holes (not shown) to which fixtures may be attached whichare useful for clamping medical devices thereto.

Ledges 31 a, 31 b, 32 a, and 32 b incorporate a combination of pins 34and fastener holes 36 that align with locating holes 38 and fastenerholes 36, respectively, on bottom panel 30. Fasteners (not shown) fastenbottom piece 30 a to ledges 32 a, 32 b, and 31 b. Bottom piece 30 c issimilarly fastened to ledges 32 a, 32 b, and 31 a. Bottom piece 30 b isfastened to ledges 32 a and 32 b. Pins 34 protrude through locatingholes 38 and generally align bottom panel 30 relative to sides 24 a, 24b, 26 a, and 26 b. Bottom panel 30 preferably includes a short cylinderprotruding above the upper surface of bottom panel 30 and around hole 38so as to provide additional bearing area for pin 34. However, thepresent invention also contemplates a locating hole 38 defined onlywithin bottom panel 30. Also, although it is preferable to include pins34 and fastener holes 36 within ledges 31 a, 31 b, 32 a, and 32 b, thepresent invention also contemplates pins 34 or fastener holes 36 as partof ledges 33 a, 33 b, 33 c, and 33 d of corner pieces 28 a, 28 b, 28 c,and 28 d, respectively. Bottom pieces 30 a, 30 b, and 30 c arerepeatedly separable from sides 24 a, 24 b, 26 a, and 26 b, and/or fromcorners 28 a, 28 b, 28 c, and 28 d, by removal of the fasteners throughholes 36.

FIG. 1A shows one embodiment of the present invention in which threebottom pieces 30 a, 30 b, and 30 c provide a bottom panel 30 of apredetermined length useful with the predetermined lengths of opposingsides 26 a and 26 b. However, the present invention contemplatesmodularity of the length of container 20, and thus modularity of theinternal volume of container 20. A container 20′ is shown in FIG. 1B.Container 20′ incorporates a lid 22′ of a shorter length than lid 22.Container 20′ also includes opposing sides 26 a′ and 26 b′ of a shorterlength than opposing sides 26 a and 26 b. Bottom panel 30′ comprisesbottom pieces 30 a and 30 c, with bottom piece 30 b being omitted. Thus,container 20 with a first, larger internal volume may be converted intoa container 20′ with a second, smaller internal volume by substitutionof separable side 26 a′ for 26 a, substitution of separable side 26 b′for separable side 26 b, omission of bottom piece 30 b, and substitutionof lid 22′. Container 20 my also be converted into a container (notshown) with an internal volume larger than the internal volume ofcontainer 20. One improvement offered by the present invention is that ahealthcare provider such as a hospital can reduce its equipment cost byrebuilding sterilization containers made in accordance with the presentinvention into different sizes, both larger and smaller than apparatus20, and thus avoid the cost of purchasing new containers.

Although apparatus 20 and 20′ have been described having multi-piecebottom panels 30 and 30′, respectively, the present invention alsocontemplates a single piece bottom panel 30 and a single piece bottompanel 30′ of different lengths. Further, although apparatus 20 and 20′have been described incorporating a plurality of corner pieces separablefrom the sides of the container, the present invention also contemplatesthose embodiments in which corner pieces are integral with sidesotherwise similar to sides 24 a and 24 b. In these embodiments thecorner pieces are not separable from the sides, but modularity of thepresent invention is maintained by the separability of opposing sides 26a and 26 b.

Corner pieces 28 a-d include a first alignment feature 42 that ispreferably spaced above the upper surfaces of adjacent separable sides.Lid 22 includes a second alignment feature 44 which is generallycomplementary in shape to first alignment feature 42. Coupling of lid 22to sides 24 a and 24 b results in coupling of first alignment feature 42with second alignment feature 44. Separable sides 24 a and 24 bincorporate upper surfaces 39 a and 39 b, respectively, and separablesides 26 a and 26 b incorporate upper surfaces 40 a and 40 b,respectively. Although one embodiment of the present invention includesa first alignment feature 42 spaced above the upper surfaces of theseparable sides, the present invention also contemplates thoseembodiments in which first alignment feature 42 is recessed below uppersurfaces 39 a, and 39 b, and 40 a and 40 b, and second alignment feature44 includes a protrusion to fit within the recess. Also, although uppersurfaces 39 a, 39 b, 40 a, and 40 b are generally at the same elevationabove bottom panel 30, the present invention also contemplates uppersurfaces 39 a, 39 b, 40 a, and 40 b that are at different elevations.

Lid 22 includes a pair of handles 46 on opposing ends of lid 22 as bestseen in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2. Handle 46 includes within it a pocket 48for carrying container 20. Pocket 48 has a shape suitable for insertionof human fingers. Lid 22 also includes a button 50 coupled to lid 22 andmoveable relative to lid 22. Handle 46 is attached to lid 22 by a pairof ears 54 best seen in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. A pair of flush mountedfasteners 56 attach handle 46 to lid 22 through ears 54.

Handle 46 and button 50 are substantially flush with the exteriorsurface of container 20. The exterior surface of container 20 is alsogenerally smooth. By being generally smooth and not having abruptprotrusions beyond its exterior surfaces, container 20 is especiallysuitable for being wrapped in a protective covering after sterilizationwith little danger of the protective covering being ripped, abraded,broken, or damaged by the exterior surface of container 20. FIGS. 2 and3 also show a plurality of holes 21 for passage of sterilant definedwithin sides 24 and 26. In some embodiments of the present invention aplurality of holes 21 for passage of sterilant are defined within bottompanel 30.

Sides 24 a and 24 b each include a pair of stationary tabs 52 which aregenerally flush with the exterior surface of sides 24 a and 24 b, andwhich project inwardly toward the interior of container 20, as best seenin FIG. 1. Stationary tabs 52, along with other elements of the latchingmechanism of container 20 provides a means for releaseably coupling lid22 to sides 24 a and 24 b. The latching mechanism of apparatus 20 isbest understood by referring to FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and 6. Extendinggenerally downward from the underside of handle 46 is a pair of supports58. A latchplate 60 is pivotally connected to supports 58 by a pair ofpivoting fasteners 62 operating through pivot hole 63 a of support 58and hole 63 b of latchplate 60 (see FIGS. 7 and 9). Button 50 is coupledto latchplate 60 by a pair of fasteners 64, and is moveable withlatchplate 60. A spring 66 located within a spring retainer 68 pressesagainst back surface 70 of button 50 and thus urges button 50 andlatchplate 60 to pivot in a direction whereby upper exterior surface 71of button 50 is urged outward.

Latchplate 60 incorporates a pair of tabs 72 moveable with latchplate 60and button 50. These moveable tabs 72 extend upward and outward at anangle as best seen in FIG. 5. Moveable tab 72 has an edge 74 which isproximate to the underside of stationary tab 52 when lid 22 isreleaseably coupled to sides 24 a and 24 b. Thus, when container 20 ispicked up by handle 46, edge 74 of moveable tab 72 engages the undersideof tab 52 and does not permit lid 22 to uncouple from sides 24 a and 24b. To release lid 22 from its coupling with sides 24 a and 24 b, button50 is pushed in along upper surface 71 of button 50 (see FIG. 6). Button50, latchplate 60, and moveable tabs 72 will thus rotate into theinterior of container 20. As moveable tabs 72 pivot, edge 74 moves pastedge 76 of stationary tab 52. Once edge 74 has moved clear of edge 76,lid 22 may be lifted vertically and uncoupled from sides 24 a and 24 b.As upper surface 71 of button 50 is pushed inward toward the interior ofcontainer 20, semi-circular guide 75 of handle assembly 57 provides aguide for guided surface 77 of button 50 (see FIG. 8).

Although button 50 and moveable tabs 72 have been shown and described asmoving in a pivotal manner, the present invention also contemplates abutton and moveable tabs that move linearly within container 20 whenpushed. This linear movement button and linear movement tabs would beguided along support rails coupled to supports extending from thehandle. The means for releaseably coupling lid 22 to container 20includes a stationary tab 52, a moveable tab 72, and a button 50 formoving moveable tab 72, the movement being rotational, linear, or acombination of the two.

A handle molding 73 comprising a portion of the present invention isshown in FIG. 7. Handle molding 73 shows a preferable combination ofhandle 46, ears 54, supports 58, spring retainer 68, and semi-circularguide 75, all molded within a single part. However, the presentinvention also contemplates those embodiments in which theaforementioned pieces may be separately fabricated and attached togetheras an assembly.

Latchplate 60 is shown apart from button 50 in FIG. 9. In a preferredembodiment, latchplate 60 is fabricated from a metal such as a corrosionresistant stainless steel. However, the present invention alsocontemplates those embodiments in which moveable tabs 72 are moldedintegrally onto button 50.

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a corner piece 28 comprising aportion of the present invention, and shown previously as corner pieces28 a, 28 b, 28 c, and 28 d. Corner piece 28 has a generally smooth,rounded exterior surface and encompasses about 90 degrees of circulararc. Preferably projecting from either end 79 a and 79 b of corner piece28 is an attachment ear 81 a and 81 b, respectively. A side 24 a, 24 b,26 a, or 26 b may be attached to a corner piece 28 by placing the edgeof the side in contact with surface 72 a, and the interior surface ofthe side in contact with attachment 81 a. A fastener fastens a side 26a, 26 b, 24 a, or 24 b to corner piece 28 through fastener hole 78 a. Byremoving the fastener from fastener hole 78 a, corner pieces 28 areseparable from container 20. For simplicity of manufacturing andassembly and reduction in cost, corner pieces 28 a, 28 b, 28 c, and 28d, are preferably identical. The present invention also contemplates acorner piece in which the attachment ears are integrated into theseparable sides, and the corner piece includes a pocket shaped toslidably accept the attachment ear.

Corner 28 includes a smooth, recessed first locating feature 80 on thetop surface of corner 28. This first locating feature 80 is capable ofbeing coupled to a second raised locating feature 82 on the bottom ofcorner piece 28 (refer to FIG. 3). Locating features 80 and 82 areuseful for stacking of one container 20 on top of another container 20.Raised locating feature 82 can be coupled within recessed locatingfeature 80 and thus stabilize the position of the top container 20relative to the position of the bottom container 20. It is preferablethat locating features 80 and 82 be complementary in shape, such thatthe shape of feature 82 fits within the recessed shape of feature 80. Itis also preferable that locating features 80 and 82 be incorporated oneach corner piece 28. However, the present invention also contemplatesthose embodiments in which locating features 80 and 82 are present ononly two of the corner pieces. Further, the present invention alsocontemplates a locating feature 82 that couples to locating feature 80,but is not necessarily complementary in shape thereto.

FIGS. 11-26 depict various views of sterilization containers accordingto other embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 11 shows aperspective view of a sterilization container 1020 according to anotherembodiment of the present invention. Container 1020 includes a lid 1022which fits on top of a base 1024. Container 1020 includes a pair ofhandles 1028 which are recessed into opposing endwalls of the container.Handles 1028 are used for lifting of the container. Preferably locatedabove each handle 1028 is a button 1030 which releaseably couples anduncouples lid 1022 to base 1024.

FIG. 12 is a partially exploded view of the container of FIG. 11. Lid1022 is shown raised above the corresponding fitment edges of basesection 1024. Lid 1022 includes a lid midsection 1032 and a pair ofendpieces 1034 and 1036, each endpiece being fastened by a plurality offasteners 1038 to opposing sides of midsection 1032. Base 1024 includesa base midsection 1040 with a pair of opposing endwalls 1042 and 1044fastened by a plurality of fasteners 1038 to opposing ends of basemidsection 1040. Base section 1040 comprises a bottom and four opposingsides that define an interior 1026 in which medical instruments or otherdevices are retained during sterilization and storage. When lid 1022 isplaced on based 1024, each endpiece 1034 and 1036 is supported by acorresponding endwall 1042 and 1044, respectively. Further, the othertwo opposing sides of lid midsection 1032 are supported upon opposingsides of base midsection 1040. FIG. 12 also shows a button 1030 inexploded view and removed from a corresponding pocket 1088. Attachmenthardware for button 1030, including a pair of biasing springs 1031, apair of collars, and a pair of fasteners are also shown in explodedview.

FIGS. 13 and 14 depict various features of base midsection 1040.Preferably, base midsection 1040 is fabricated from an integral piece ofstainless steel sheet metal, although the present invention contemplatesother methods of fabrication, and non-integral base sections as well.

Base midsection 1040 includes a pair of opposing sidewalls 1052 and 1054which preferably are integral with a bottom 1050. Each lateral edge ofbase midsection 1040 includes a plurality of fastener holes 1051 forsubsequent fastening to respective endwalls. Bottom 1050 includes acentral portion for supporting instruments. Central portion 1056 andintegral sidewalls 1052 and 1054 further include a plurality of throughholes 1070 for the passage of sterilant vapor and liquid during asterilizing process.

Preferably extending lengthwise along opposing sides of bottom 1050 arechannels 1058 and 1060 which provide rigidity to base midsection 1040.Channels 1058 and 1060 laterally interconnect the central portion 1056to sidewalls 1052 and 1054. Each sidewall projects generally verticallyfrom the corresponding channel. Each sidewall 1052 and 1054 ispreferably formed at the free edge to provide mating features andsupport features for lid 1022.

Referring to FIG. 14, each sidewall 1052 and 1054 includes a formedridge 1062 and 1064, respectively, and an inwardly and upwardlyprojecting free edge 1066 and 1068, respectively. Each sidewall 1052 and1054 is formed such that the corresponding uppermost edge 1066 and 1068is displaced toward interior 1026 relative to ridges 1062 and 1064,respectively. Preferably, each uppermost edge 1066 ad 1068 includes arolled-over lip to add stiffness and a non-sharp safety feature to thesidewalls.

FIGS. 15, 16, and 17 depict various views of an endwall 1044. Although asingle endwall is shown and described, it is understood that acorresponding endwall is preferably attached to the opposite end ofcontainer 1020.

Endwall 1044 includes a generally smooth and curving midportion 1072, apair of laterally-projecting attachment ears 1074 and 1076 located oneither end of midportion 1072, and a bottom portion 1078 which spans thebottom area between midportion 1072 and ears 1074 and 1076. Preferably,endwall 1024 is cast or molded from an organic material, although thepresent invention contemplates any method of fabrication.

As best seen in FIGS. 16 and 17, bottom portion 1078 preferably includesa spacing feature 1080 which provides both stabilization and spacing toa stack of containers 1020, as will be described later. Bottom spacingfeature 1080 includes a spanwise planar portion 1084, and a spanwiserounded edge portion 1082 located between planar portion 1084 and theoutward surface of midportion 1072. As best seen in FIG. 16, roundedportion 1082 is preferably a concave, or inwardly receding rounded edge.Further, planar portion 1084 is preferably spaced above the bottom mostsurface of bottom portion 1078.

In one embodiment, endwall 1044 defines a recessed handle 1028 forlifting of container 1020. As best seen in FIG. 17, the finger grip areafor handle 1028 is smoothly recessed inwardly from the outermost surfaceof midportion 1072. In this way, handle 1028 does not present anyprojections or sharp corners for snagging of clothing on the handle.

Located immediately above handle 1028 is a portion of a pocket 1088which slidably receives button 1030. As best seen in FIG. 15, pocket1088 includes a bottom wall, inward wall, and opposing endwalls in whichbutton 1030 is placed. Pocket 1088 and button 1030 are adapted andconfigured such that the outermost surface of button 1030 is generallyflush with the outermost surface of midportion 1072. Preferably, pocket1088 is adjacent to the top of endwall 1044, such that a correspondingendpiece 1036 of lid 1022 provides a top boundary for the pocket.

Referring again briefly to FIG. 11, the relative placement of handle1028, button 1030 in pocket 1088, and endpiece 1036 provide convenienthandling and opening of container 1020. Pocket 1088 and handle 1028 arearranged and configured such that a user's fingers fit within the recessof handle 1028, with fingers or the thumb of the user being positionedto press button 1030 inward. When the user presses button 1030 torelease lid 1022, the user's fingers are also located under a surface1105 of endpiece 1036 (see FIGS. 20-21). Pushing inward on button 1030simultaneously releases lid 1022 from base 1024, and also places theuser's fingers in a position to readily lift lid 1022 upwards. Becausethe top boundary of pocket 1088 is formed by endpiece 1036, inwardmovement of the button uncovers portion 1105 of the edge of endpiece1036.

Placed to either side of spacing feature 1080 are support surfaces 1075and 1077. Preferably, support surfaces 1075 and 1077 are spaced belowspacing feature 1080. Support surfaces 1077 and 1075 support the weightof an assembled container 1020.

FIGS. 18 and 19 show a lid midsection 1032 according to one embodimentof the present invention. Lid midsection 1032 includes a top 1090 and apair of sides 1092 and 1094 that depend downward from the top. Top 1090includes a central portion 1100 which preferably includes a plurality ofthrough holes 1102 for passage of sterilant therethrough. Preferably,lid midsection 1032 is formed from a material such as stainless steelsheet metal, although the present invention contemplates any type offabrication.

Lid midsection 1032 includes a top 1090 having a central portion 1100. Apair of lengthwise ribs 1093 and 1095 are formed along top 1090, andprovide stiffness to midsection 1032. Each rib 1093 and 1094 projectpreferably outwardly and downwardly to sides 1092 and 1094,respectively. Each side 1092 and 1094 include a lowermost edge 1096 and1098, respectively, which project downwards. Preferably, edges 1096 and1098 are rolled over for additional stiffness, safety, and for improvedfit of lid 1022 on ridges 1062 and 1064, respectively, of base 1024.

FIGS. 20, 21, and 22 depict various views of an endpiece 1036 accordingto one embodiment of the present invention. Although a single endpiecewill be shown and described, it is understood that lid 1022 preferablyincludes a similar endpiece located on an opposite end of midsection1032.

Endpiece 1036 includes a generally smooth and curving midportion 1104with a pair of ears 1106 and 1108 that project laterally from midportion1104. Midportion 1104 further includes a downwardly projecting surface1105 placed centrally that provides an upward boundary of pocket 1088when a lid 1022 is coupled to a base 1024. Preferably, endpiece 1036 iscast or molded from an organic material, although the present inventioncontemplates any method of fabrication.

A top portion spanning from ear 1106 to ear 1108 preferably includes aspacing feature 1110 which provides both stabilization to a plurality ofstacked containers 1020 and also a predetermined gap between adjacentstacked containers 1020 as will be described later. Spacing feature 1110includes a convex or outwardly rounded portion 1112 that projects upwardfrom the top of midportion 1104. Rounded portion 1112 transitionssmoothly to a planar portion 1114. A plurality of through holes 1107 areprovided in endpiece 1036 for fastening of endpiece 1036 to a U-shapedlateral edge of lid midsection 1032.

As best seen in FIGS. 21 and 22, endpiece 1036 includes a hook-shapedlatching member 1118 which is centrally located inward of undersurface1105. Latching member 1118 is supported by a plurality of arms 1119 thatproject inward and downward from midportion 1104.

FIG. 23 shows a perspective view of a button 1030 according to oneembodiment of the present invention. Button 1030 includes a latchingmember 1122 which is adapted and configured to releaseably couple to thehook of latching member 1118. When button 1030 is biased outwardly to afirst, extended, and latched position, latching members 1118 and 1122couple together such that endpiece 1036, as part of lid 1022, isreleaseably coupled to button 1030, which is a part of base 1024.

FIGS. 24 and 25 present cross-sectional views of a pair of stackedcontainers. A first container 1020 is stacked on top of a second,identical container 1020′.

In one embodiment of the present invention, top spacing feature 1110 andbottom spacing feature 1080 are preferably shaped complementary to eachother, such that convex rounded section 1112 nests within concaverounded feature 1082, as best seen in the middle of FIG. 24. Whennested, planar section 1114 of the bottom container supports planarsection 1084 of the top container. When sliding a top container 1020from a position stacked on top of a second, bottom contain 1020′, thetop container lifts slightly as the rounded portion 1110′ of the bottomcontainer forces the rounded portion 1080 of the top container upward.As best seen in FIG. 25, there is a similar, lateral nesting of thelateral edges of a top spacing feature with a bottom spacing feature.

Top spacing feature 1110 and bottom spacing feature 1080 are providedwith a thickness or vertical height such that stacking of container 1020on top of container 1020′ results in a gap 1130 formed between bottom1050 of the top container and top 1090′ of the bottom container. As bestseen in FIGS. 24 and 25, the relative spacing of spacing features 1080and 1110 preferably provides a continuous gap 1130 between the sidewallsof base midsection 1040. This gap 1130 preferably extends from onesidewall 1054 to another sidewall 1052 (as best seen in FIG. 25), thusallowing circulation of sterilant vapor from central portions 1056 and1100′ to the outside of the stacked containers. In the embodiment shownin FIG. 24, planar surface 1084′ is spaced apart and spaced below theunderside surface of bottom 1050′. In addition, the top surface ofplanar portion 1114 is spaced apart from and spaced above the topsurface of top 1090. Further, container support surface 1075 is spacedapart from and spaced below the underside surface of channel 1060′. Asbest seen in FIG. 24, the weight of a container or stack of containersis supported by contact of surfaces 1075 and 1077 on top of a table orfixture.

Referring to FIG. 25, container 1020 preferably includes an outersurface with smooth, rounded, and flush features. For example, ridge1064 is adapted and configured such that outer surface of adjacentuppermost edge 1068 is spaced apart from the outer surface of sidewall1054 by a distance that is about the same distance as the thickness ofedge 1098 of lid 1022. With this spacing, as is appreciated in viewingFIG. 25, the outer surface of side 1094 of lid 1022 is flush with theouter surface of sidewall 1054 of vase 1024. Further, the outsidesurface the ear 1106 of endpiece 1036 is generally smooth and flush withthe outer surface of ear 1074 of endwall 1044.

FIG. 26 presents a perspective view of a container 1020″ according toanother embodiment of the present invention. Container 1020″ isidentical to container 1020, except that container 1020″ is of a shorteroverall height, as a result of decreasing the height of sidewall 1054″and midportion 1072″. It is further appreciated that the presentinvention contemplates containers having a variety of different lengths.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in thedrawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered asillustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood thatonly the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that allchanges and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventionare desired to be protected.

1-21. (canceled)
 22. A container for sterilization of devices, comprising: a base including a bottom panel and a pair of endwalls, said bottom panel including a pair of sidewalls each defining a plurality of through holes; a lid-release button slidably received within each endwall, said lid-release button actuatable between an extended position and a depressed position; and a lid defining a plurality of through holes and being releasably coupled to said base and releasable therefrom by actuation of said lid-release button, said lid including a pair of latching members, each latching member being constructed and arranged to cooperate with a corresponding one of said lid-release buttons.
 23. The container of claim 22 wherein sliding said lid-release button to the depressed position uncouples said lid from said base.
 24. The container of claim 22 wherein sliding said lid-release button to the depressed position exposes a surface of said lid for lifting of said lid by a user of said container.
 25. The container of claim 22 wherein one of said endwalls has an outer surface, said lid-release button has an outer surface, and in said extended position said outer surface of said lid-release button is substantially flush with the outer surface of said one endwall.
 26. The container of claim 22 wherein said lid includes an edge and said lid-release button covers a portion of said edge in said extended position and uncovers said portion of said edge in said depressed position. 